The Morning Rush

From a parent:

Every morning seemed to be a rush, despite waking up an hour before school. I read part of “Positive Discipline” and some of “How to Talk so Kids Will Listen & Listen so Kids Will Talk ” and realized that despite my child being a slow eater and lollygagger (like most kids), I was part of the problem too. So, we did two things. I asked my child to help make a “plan” for the mornings and evenings (to facilitate bed without struggle too). He decided the order of things—wake up, jammies off, clothes on, brush teeth, and only then go downstairs. First thing we did when we got downstairs was to eat breakfast. We decided that if he ate breakfast and there was time, he could play or watch a video until it was time for school. AND, probably even more importantly, I started to get up earlier so I was ready when he woke up. The next day, and since, it has worked well. And usually we don’t have time to play. But it seems that just being involved in making the plan has empowered my child to do what he needs to do (and me too!).ided the order of things—wake up, jammies off, clothes on, brush teeth, and only then go downstairs. First thing we did when we got downstairs was to eat breakfast. We decided that if he ate breakfast and there was time, he could play or watch a video until it was time for school. AND, probably even more importantly, I started to get up earlier so I was ready when he woke up. The next day, and since, it has worked well. And usually we don’t have time to play. But it seems that just being involved in making the plan has empowered my child to do what he needs to do (and me too!).